Alhaji Munir Balogun, the father of popular Nigerian singer Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun professionally known as Wizkid in a latest interview disclosed what he tells his son when he gets attacked by Davido fans.
In a recent interview with Punch, Wizkid’s father, speaking to Ayoola Olasupo, discusses the inspiration behind the family’s generosity, his advice to his son when criticized by Davido’s fans, and more.
You’re trending online for handing out cash to people in your former community in Surulere, Lagos. Your son mentioned that you often visit to give money. What motivates you to do this?
We lived in Somade many years ago, but now we reside in Tafawa Balewa. I don’t visit Somade anymore. I only go to Small London in Surulere, where my brother, the father of the Surulere Local Government chairman, lives. I usually visit him there so we can sit and talk. It’s been years since we left Somade, and I no longer go back there.
You still attend prayers at Oluwaseyi Mosque in that neighborhood, even though you no longer live there. What keeps you going back?
Our house is in Tafawa Balewa, and it’s close to that mosque. I used to live in the area but have since moved. However, my daughter still stays there, and everything is still in place. There’s no reason for me to leave the area. We haven’t given the house to anyone, and we don’t rent it out, so I’m always around. Plus, as I mentioned earlier, my brother lives in Small London.
In a post on X (Twitter), Wizkid mentioned that your generosity inspires him to give back to his childhood community. What’s your response to that?
That’s true because it’s important to give back to the community. No one should be forced to do it; it should come naturally. Children often follow the example set by their parents. Some people have more than enough money but struggle to share even a little. That’s not how our family operates. We’re always ready to help with what we have. We don’t like to see people suffering, especially when someone says they haven’t eaten all day—that deeply moves me, and I feel the need to give them something so they can eat. It’s just our nature, and we’ve always treated people well, even when things weren’t as good as they are now. That’s how I see it. As a Muslim, my faith teaches me to give to others, and I believe in living by that principle.
Now that Wizkid is big and famous, do you still advise him on certain things?
We talk frequently, and he’s never far from me. He’s very close to his family and takes family matters seriously. If I need to discuss something, I call him, and he does the same. He’s always in touch and considers family his top priority.
Wizkid and Davido have always been having banter for some time now. What do you think about the entire situation?
Yes, I’ve seen it. I came across it on Facebook or Instagram and read through everyone’s comments.
What are your thoughts on the situation, and have you offered any advice to Wizkid about it?
I have advised my son not to pay attention to what Davido’s supporters are saying. The supporters are only looking for what they will say to collect money and all of that. They are just looking for what they are going to eat and I told him not to pay much attention to them. I’ve told my son to take things easy with them and overlook whatever they say because I don’t blame them.
You lost your wife recently. What do you miss about her?
You know we were husband and wife, and I don’t have any other wife. When situations like this arise, you can imagine what goes through the minds of both partners. We understand that man proposes, but God disposes, and we cannot blame God for what happens.
How has the family been coping with the loss?
We’re managing the situation and leaving everything in God’s hands.